“בּוֹנֵה יְרוּשָׁלַ‍ִם ה׳”

“HaShem will build Yerushalayim”

King David does not describe the building of the capital city as an ordinary act of construction. He does not attribute it solely to human effort, but to Divine intervention. The rebuilding of Jerusalem is a visible miracle.

More than forty years ago, I was a madrich (counselor) for youth groups from Mexico who arrived at the SEC (Sephardic Educational Center) in the Old City. I remember one morning when we were traveling by bus from the Old City to the shuk, together with Rabbi Baruj Garzón. As we stopped at a traffic light, the rabbi took the microphone and said to us:

“Look, look at the miracle that is right before your eyes!”

We all looked out the window, but we didn’t see anything special—only Arab workers building a small building.

Then the rabbi added:

“What you are seeing is a miracle. The very same hands that want to destroy this country are building it.”

Generally, we don’t come to Israel in January. My wife, Coty, and I usually arrive in July and enjoy the summer. This time, however, we came in winter to spend a few days with two of our children who live in Jerusalem. The cold is more noticeable, though nothing compared to New York, and there is also far more rain than in July.

It’s normal that when one returns to Jerusalem after a few months, the city feels different. New buildings appear, new services emerge, neighborhoods expand, and structures rise. This urban renewal is known in Israel as Pinui u’Binui (“demolition and reconstruction”): older buildings are torn down and replaced with modern ones, featuring new elevators, parking, green spaces, community areas, and safer residences. Each apartment includes a reinforced “shelter room,” built for emergencies. Traditional neighborhoods such as Katamon, Arnona, Talpiot, and Baka, where we are staying now, are being transformed almost beyond recognition.

JERUSALEM UNDER CONSTRUCTION

But new residential construction is not the main reason Jerusalem feels so unmanageable in January 2026. This time, the situation is far more severe. Jerusalem is simply impossible. Traffic is unbearable. A drive that should take ten or fifteen minutes, for example, from Baka to the train station, took me more than forty-five. Estimating arrival times has become meaningless. Road closures are everywhere, detours appear without warning, and streets seem to close overnight.

Even walking has become difficult. Central areas such as King George and Ben Yehuda are barely recognizable. On King George, walking is almost impossible: barriers line the streets, roads are split in half, and traffic lanes have been reduced. Where there were once four, now there is only one. Nothing flows naturally. There is no place in the city where movement, by car or on foot, feels smooth or continuous.

The question is inevitable: what is happening to Jerusalem?

JERUSALEM LIGHT RAIL

The main culprit behind the current balagan (= chaos) in the city is the construction of three new lines of Jerusalem’s light rail, the Rakevet Hakala. What began years ago as a single line, the Red Line, which today carries more than 170,000 passengers daily, is now expanding into a full urban rail network, including underground sections, crossing Jerusalem from north to south and from east to west.

At present, two new lines are under construction. The Green Line will include about 35 stations and span roughly 20 kilometers. The more ambitious Blue Line will stretch approximately 30 kilometers, with around 50 stations, connecting Ramot in the north with Gilo in the south. In addition, a Purple Line is also planned. Once completed, the system will be four times larger than the original one: more lines, more stations, and far more connections.

This is a massive infrastructure project, designed to allow millions of people to move across the city without relying on private cars. It explains the heavy, prolonged, and noisy construction that today makes Jerusalem feel “blocked.”

But Jerusalem is not blocked. Jerusalem is in the midst of a historic transformation.

JERUSALEM HOLY BALAGAN

What is Jerusalem preparing for? First, Yerushalayim is on track to become Israel’s most populous city, with more than one million residents. But there is something deeper as well. Jerusalem is preparing for the Geula: the rebuilding of the Beit HaMikdash, the coming of the Mashiach, and the return of millions of Jews from the Diaspora to Israel.

Thanks to this new infrastructure, once the Holy Temple is restored and the Jewish people are fully returned to their land, Yerushalayim will be ready to welcome comfortably and efficiently millions of families, at least three times a year, who will come on pilgrimage for Pesach, Shabuot, and Sukkot, just as in biblical times.

Seen from this perspective, the construction chaos, the unbearable traffic, and the endless street closures are no longer merely inconveniences. They become a powerful source of inspiration.

To watch Jerusalem rebuilding itself, preparing to serve once again as the spiritual capital of the Jewish people, and of the world, is the greatest national aspiration, one that for nearly two thousand years seemed unreachable and unimaginable. Until very recently, the Jerusalem that,

Barukh Hashem, we have today was a utopian, impossible dream.

I love the balagan of Yerushalayim. I happily and proudly embrace it, with tears of joy. Jerusalem is being rebuilt before our eyes. And it will be ready very soon, waiting for all of us to come.

Shabbat Shalom, from Yerushalayim.

 Did Hamas and the Palestinian Authority Fall Into a Trap From Which There Is No Escape?

Urgent: Has Israel once again reasserted the legitimacy of its position through President Trump’s festive plan for a ceasefire? Did this plan trap Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, leaving them with no way out? What are the real stages of the plan? Is it good or bad for Israel? Here is an exclusive analysis for Gplanet members.

In the festive halls of Congress and the White House, Prime Minister Netanyahu managed to put forth a joint plan with the Americans that included Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. For them, it will be very difficult to escape. If they do not cooperate at all, it will be seen as a blatant act of hostility toward Israel and the United States. That, in turn, would require them to pay a heavy price. This is something Israel has not had in a long time. And who gave us this new strategic depth? President Trump.

Trump’s Belief in Peace

President Trump truly believes in peace in the Middle East, and he mobilized all Arab countries on the eve of releasing the plan. Netanyahu managed to alter the wording of the plan, so that instead of being a trap for Israel, it became a trap for Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.

As we already explained this morning on our Telegram channel, the plan has turned into a “red snare” against Hamas and the PA.

In the official announcement, which partly outlines a ceasefire, Netanyahu detailed the binding conditions that Trump agreed to. These conditions now oblige Hamas.

The Binding Stages of the Plan

• Stage One: Hamas must release all hostages alive within 72 hours. This is the only immediate and unconditional demand. Everything else is contingent. If this does not happen within 72 hours, or if not all hostages are released, Hamas will bear the blame, and Trump will enforce the consequences.

• Stage Two: If Hamas agrees to the plan, it must release everyone. This would mark an “Israeli-Palestinian ceasefire in Gaza,” but only after all hostages are freed.

• Stage Three: President Trump himself will establish an international body to separate Hamas from the civilian population of Gaza. This body will consist of Arab leaders—similar to Tony Blair’s role in the past—who ultimately left Gaza impoverished and ruined. This body would supervise the demilitarization of Hamas and prevent further attacks on Israel.

• Stage Four: If this international body succeeds, Israel will finally end the war, but only after full demilitarization and disarmament of Hamas. The war will not end merely with a ceasefire and the release of hostages, but only after Hamas has been fully disarmed—a stage that may never actually arrive.

This strikes at the very core of Hamas’s central demand: to end the war without disarming. Trump will not accept that.

• Stage Five: Only after demilitarization will Israel conclude the war. Until then, Israel will continue targeted strikes and separations. If demilitarization does not take place, Netanyahu’s government will reject the plan.

Strategic Depth for Israel

In any case, Israel will remain in full security control around Gaza without time limits, and it will preserve its freedom to operate militarily. These are central conditions for Israel’s security. Hamas, of course, will never agree to dismantle its military infrastructure—meaning Hamas will never accept the plan.

• If Hamas refuses these steps, Israel will destroy it militarily, this time with full support from Trump. In such a scenario, Israel would also be able to take additional measures.

• A final clause: the Rafah crossing would be opened to allow Gazans who wish to leave, but none would be allowed to return.

• As for the Palestinian Authority, it will not become a Palestinian state. Trump himself agreed to this point, as he does not trust the Arab leadership.

• The PA will have no role in Gaza until it undergoes “genuine, authentic change,” in line with Trump’s 2020 conditions: dismantling terrorist militias, halting payments to terrorists and their families, stopping incitement, canceling hostile steps in international institutions, recognizing Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people, and much more. Clearly, none of this will happen.

The Trap Closes

The plan has shifted the focus from “Israeli concessions,” which are always demanded, to American presidential demands imposed on the Palestinians. Even Macron has admitted Hamas cannot implement the plan.

The plan now opens for Israel a host of new opportunities, including expanded ties with Arab countries.

The chances that Hamas will accept the harsh conditions are minimal. Even if it pretends to say “yes, but,” the plan forces Hamas into a corner at every stage. For the first time, a plan requires immediate “payment”—the release of all hostages upfront. Hamas has rejected such conditions many times before. This time, however, Trump is personally invested, and the whole world will focus on Hamas’s refusal.

Israel is now the decisive actor, watching everything Hamas does. Every terrorist who emerges will be struck immediately. Hamas has no intention of disarming or separating from its terror organizations—on the contrary. It openly declares its defiance.

Qatar

Netanyahu indeed confronted the Qatari Prime Minister over “the problem of Qatari mediation” and effectively neutralized Qatar within the process. But there is also a triangle of aid: Israeli, American, and Egyptian. To test Qatar’s hostility, consider Al Jazeera broadcasts, support for the Muslim Brotherhood, hostility toward Jews on campuses, and more. The evidence is overwhelming. Qatar is caught. From now on, an American blow against Qatar will follow.

This is a domino effect: one state after another returning to Israel’s side.

The Palestinian Authority Again

There is no chance the PA will agree to these terms—especially not recognition of Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people. It will stumble over this point and collapse into Netanyahu’s hands. These conditions are already being discussed in a special White House conference and broadcast worldwide.

Both Hamas and the PA have already cried out for rescue after the plan’s publication.

Conclusion

Hamas now realizes this is a “deceptive plan,” much like the one Netanyahu and Trump imposed on Iran. If Hamas rejects or sabotages the plan, it will have to be removed from its current bases of support.

Netanyahu has also challenged Qatar directly, exposing its duplicity. Qatar’s mask has fallen, and now American measures will follow. This process represents a return of states to Israel’s orbit.

As for the PA, it will be unable to accept the terms. Recognition of Israel as the Jewish nation-state is something it will never agree to. Thus, it too is trapped.

Hamas and the PA, having cried out in distress, find themselves ensnared in Trump’s plan—unable to move forward, unable to retreat. Israel, meanwhile, holds all the cards.

Bring Them Home או Let My People Go?

לפני שנה השתתפתי בניו יורק ב־Israel Parade, המצעד השנתי הגדול למען ישראל. הסיסמה של אותה שנה הייתה מרגשת: “Bring them home” — “החזירו אותם הביתה”. התרגשתי לראות עשרות אלפי אנשים מתכנסים בסולידריות עם ישראל ועם בני הערובה הישראלים שנחטפו. צילמתי סרטונים ושיתפתי אותם עם חברים במיאמי ובבואנוס איירס.

אבל הערה של חברי היקר ליאון גרמה לי לחשוב מחדש על נאיביותי הפוליטית. ליאון שאל אותי: “למי בדיוק מופנית הקריאה הזאת? לחמאס? לקטר? למדינות ערב שמממנות ומגינות על חמאס? או בעצם לממשלת ישראל?” אז הבנתי שבלי לשים לב נפלתי למלכודת פוליטית מתוחכמת: באמירה “החזירו אותם הביתה” הלחץ מונח על ישראל, כאילו נתניהו וממשלתו הם אלה שצריכים לשחרר את החטופים.

הסיסמה הזאת אינה נועדה ללחוץ על נתניהו שיחלץ אותם במבצע צבאי. המסר הסמוי של “Bring them home” הוא אחר: “נקבל את תנאי חמאס כדי להביא אותם הביתה”. כלומר: נפסיק את המלחמה, ניכנע, נמשוך את הכוחות מהשטחים שכבשנו בעזה, נשחרר אלפי מחבלים, ניתן עוד אדמות, עוד אוכל, עוד פריבילגיות, ונשאיר את חמאס בחיים. פתאום הדרישה שאמורה להיות מופנית כלפי הרוצחים ובני בריתם הבינלאומיים — מתגלגלת לעבר ישראל!

הנטל על הקורבנות

הגישה הזאת של להאשים את הקורבן היא מעוותת. חמאס ובעלי בריתו — האירופאים, הצלב האדום, האומות המאוחדות, אונר״א וכו׳ — הם האחראים. המשקל צריך להיות מונח עליהם.

דוגמה: תארו לכם שאירופה הייתה מאיימת על הצלב האדום שתפסיק כל מימון אם לא יגיעו מיד אל בני הערובה היהודים לבדוק את מצבם ולסייע להם רפואית. אני מבטיח לכם שבאותו רגע הצלב האדום היה מתנועע מידית.

הקמפיין “Bring them home” הופך את ההיגיון המוסרי: האחריות כבר אינה מונחת על הרוצחים ובעלי בריתם — הפעילים או הפסיביים — אלא על כתפיהם של הקורבנות ושל ממשלתם. מבלי להתכוון, המשתתפים בצעדות כאלה מחזקים את הנרטיב הכוזב של חמאס: שטבח 7 באוקטובר היה תגובה “לגיטימית” להתנחלויות ולכיבוש של ישראל. “נעשה את הוויתורים שהם דורשים ויעזבו אותנו בשקט”.

מחיר בני הערובה

לפני שנים, בטיסה מבואנוס איירס לניו יורק, צפיתי בסרט Ransom בכיכובו של מל גיבסון. בנו נחטף והפושעים דרשו כסף. בצעד נגד־אינטואיטיבי, גיבסון הופיע בטלוויזיה והכריז שלא ישלם סנט אחד. להפך — הוא הציע פרס על ראשי החוטפים. הוא איים: אם תפגעו בבני, הכסף הזה ישמש לצוד אתכם.

כל דולר שהחוטפים ביקשו הפך ללחץ נגדם. המסר היה ברור: איני נותן לכם כוח, אני לוקח מכם כוח.

עם חמאס צריך לנהוג כך. אין לתגמל את החוטף בוויתורים או בהפסקות אש שמחזקות אותו. האסטרטגיה היחידה ההגיונית היא להגדיל את הלחץ הפוליטי, הצבאי והכלכלי, עד שיבינו שחטיפת בני הערובה עולה להם יותר ממה שהיא מועילה.

Let My People Go

הסיסמה הנכונה איננה Bring Them Home. הקריאה האמיתית היא זו שאמר משה רבנו לפרעה: “שַׁלַּח אֶת עַמִּי” — מופנית לפרעה, לא למשה.

יציאת מצרים הייתה הסוף השמח של אירוע טראגי: קודם הטבח של הילדים היהודים שהושלכו ליאור ואחר־כך החטיפה ההמונית של עם שלם, שנשבה בכוח ושועבד — לא רחוק מעזה. התורה איננה מסתירה את פרטי העימות ההוא בין משה לפרעה, כי היא רוצה שנלמד ממנה את האסטרטגיה שעלינו לזכור וליישם באירוע דומה.

הדיאלוג שלא עבד

בהתחלה משה נכנס לארמון עם בקשה דיפלומטית: ביקש בנימוס מפרעה לשחרר את העבדים היהודים. תגובתו הראשונה של פרעה הייתה להסלים: הוא הקשה את השעבוד. העמיס עוד עבודה, דיכא עוד יותר את העם. זו הייתה תשובתו של העריץ למילות הנימוס של משה. כצפוי, העם החל ללחוץ ולתקוף את משה.

משה חזר והראה לפרעה את כוח האל באמצעות מופתים: הפך את מטהו לנחש, הפך את מי היאור לדם והשאיר את המצרים בלי מים. בתחילה פרעה העמיד פני אדיש.

אחר־כך הגיעו מכות קשות יותר: צפרדע, כינים, ערוב, דבר. ואז הלחץ החל להשפיע.

ככל שהמכות התרבו ופגעו בכלכלה, בבריאות ובחיי היומיום של מצרים, פרעה החל לחוש את הלחץ של עמו עצמו. אז התחילו ה”משאים ומתנים”:

• “עשו את הקרבנות כאן, במצרים”, הציע פרעה. משה השיב: בלתי אפשרי.

• “לכו, אבל הנשים והילדים יישארו”. משה ענה: כולם יוצאים.

• “לכו כולכם, אבל השאירו את רכושכם”. משה שוב סירב.

משה עמד איתן. לא קיבל תנאים. הוא לא ניהל משא־ומתן, כי ידע שעם עריצים וחוטפים לא מנהלים משא־ומתן.

כל סירוב החליש את המדכא, כי המכות הלכו והתגברו. עד שהגיעה המכה האחרונה: מכת בכורות. ורק אז, כשכאב נכנס לארמון עצמו, העריץ נשבר.

הלקח ברור: המדכא מוותר רק כשהמחיר על עקשנותו הולך וגדל.

מה אנו לומדים מהאירוע הזה?

בלתי מובן לי איך עם ישראל בשנת 2025 לא פותח את התורה כדי למצוא הדרכה ודגמי פעולה במצבים דומים. אנחנו עם הספר — אבל משאירים אותו סגור. סיפור השעבוד במצרים, הטראומה הלאומית שלנו, צריך להיות הניסיון והמדריך שלנו. חמאס, כמו פרעה, איננו מבין ויתורים או טיעונים מוסריים. הוא מבין רק לחץ ותוצאות. והוא ייכנע רק כאשר יבין שהחזקת החטופים מחלישה אותו ולא מחזקת.

אם כל יום של שביים מביא לחמאס ויתורים או הישגים פוליטיים — כמו הפגנות נגד ממשלת ישראל — חמאס ימשיך להחזיק בהם. אבל אם כל יום של שביים מביא אובדן — טריטוריאלי, פוליטי או צבאי — אז, ורק אז, הם ישוחררו.

תארו לכם דוגמה מעשית: על כל יום שחמאס לא משחרר את בני הערובה היהודים, ישראל תספח רשמית קילומטר רבוע אחד מעזה ותכריז עליו כשטח ישראלי. מה יקרה? עבור חמאס, איבוד קרקע הוא התבוסה הקשה ביותר: פסיכולוגית, צבאית ודתית. המתים הם “שהידים”, ואינם נספרים כהפסד. אבל איבוד קרקע — זה מה שהם אינם יכולים לשאת. זה, ורק זה, יכריח אותם לוותר.

הלקח מההיסטוריה הקרובה

הקול שלנו חייב להיות ברור ואחיד: LET MY PEOPLE GO — שַׁלַּח אֶת עַמִּי. והוא צריך להיות מופנה לכל התומכים בחמאס, במיוחד למדינות האסלאמואירופיות כמו צרפת, אנגליה, אוסטרליה וקנדה.

אסור לנו לחזור על טעויות העבר. מאז 2009, כל הפסקת אש עם חמאס שימשה אך ורק כדי שיתחמש מחדש ויתכונן לטבח הבא. ה־7 באוקטובר היה תוצאה ישירה של אותן ויתורים והסכמים שחיזקו את החוטף.

המדיניות הנכונה היחידה שישראל חייבת להחזיק בה כיום היא ברורה: לספח שטחים מעזה ולהחזיק בהם, ולהמשיך לספח עד שבני הערובה ישוחררו. בלי ויתורים. בלי משא־ומתן דרך קטר או מצרים.

על המחבלים לשאת בתוצאות פשעיהם. רק כך הם לא יחזרו עליהם.

זה עבד עם פרעה, זה יעבוד גם עם חמאס.

The conflict between Israel and Iran is not over yet. We are currently in a ceasefire after an overwhelming Israeli victory in the “Twelve-Day War,” a conflict in which Israel succeeded, at the highest possible level, in achieving its objectives: destroying Iran’s nuclear program and neutralizing its ballistic missiles.

Israel also demonstrated the incredible capability of its air force, which, within just a few hours, gained total control of Tehran’s skies. The Jewish Air Force proved to be unmatched by any other air force in the region. Israel also used its missile and drone defense systems with considerable effectiveness. It showed the incredible logistical and emotional preparedness and discipline of the Jewish State regarding its shelters—better than any other country in the world—and its citizens’ training to mobilize immediately upon hearing sirens and alarms. This readiness has saved thousands of lives that could have been victims of Iranian missiles.

It has been an incredible victory for Israel, and Iran knows it. The world knows it, too. There are still post-war negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to ensure that Iran does not continue its nuclear programs or missile production.

What else needs to happen now?

Suppose we visualize the most optimistic scenario of this story, which is still unfolding. In that case, some suggest an expansion of the Abraham Accords, potentially including countries such as Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and even Syria and Lebanon.

This week, giant billboards appeared in Tel Aviv showing Trump, Netanyahu, and Arab leaders promoting normalization with Israel under the slogan of the “Abraham Alliance” (see image above).

But until these messianic images crystallize, we must be realistic. First and foremost, we must recognize all variants of enemies: perhaps peace agreements can be signed with moderate Muslim states, such as Bahrain or the Emirates, but it is extremely dangerous to make agreements with Islamic or Islamized states. Because a state or an Islamic organization—such as Iran, the Houthis, Hezbollah, Hamas, or Al Qaeda—will not abandon their objective of destroying Israel. In any hypothetical “peace agreement,” they will use the strategy of taqiya, the religiously permitted lie in Islam, for political and military purposes. That is, to sign a peace agreement today with the hidden intention of attacking tomorrow.

If we forget this, then we have not learned the lessons of October 7.

Israel handed over Gaza to Hamas, free of Jewish presence. During those 20 years of supposed “peace,” Israel helped as much as it could to rebuild and benefit the inhabitants of Gaza. It yielded and looked the other way (hajalá) in the face of provocations from Gazans. Meanwhile, Hamas, instead of building their state with unlimited resources at their disposal, armed itself to the teeth, dug tunnels, and meticulously planned the massacre of 2023. We cannot allow ourselves to fall into the same trap again.

How can we avoid repeating this terror?

From the perspective of Judaism—and also of Israel’s modern situation—there is a fundamental teaching: the least Jewish word in the dictionary is “akhshav,” ( עכשיו ) “now,” as in the phrase “Peace Now” or “Hostages Now.” That mentality of resolving an immediate problem and leaving the consequences for our grandchildren is not part of the Jewish vision. Our patriarch Yaacob acquired the birthright from his brother Esav, a future blessing, which Esav sacrificed for a bowl of lentils NOW. That scene is not just a historical account; it is a warning. The Jew knows very well that there is nothing worse than sacrificing the future for immediate benefit. Even more so when those benefits come from political actors of very dubious reputation.

In any peace agreement that is signed, especially with its immediate neighbors, Israel cannot repeat the mistake of negotiating “land for peace.” The land conquered since October 7 in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza is not only a strategic guarantee, a security zone, a demilitarized strip CONTROLLED BY ISRAEL that keeps our enemies away from our borders and makes them less dangerous.

The land conquered by Israel is mainly the best insurance policy to prevent future hostilities. It is the most significant punishment for the perpetrators of the October 7 attack and their allies, which may deter them from committing the same mistake again.

Anwar Sadat cynically boasted that he gave Begin what he wanted most: a signed paper, and in exchange, he obtained what he wanted most: the land of Sinai. The documents signed today could be violated tomorrow, especially when governments change in the Arab signatory countries or even in the governments of those countries guaranteeing such agreements. But land does not change. It does not move. It remains there. It functions as a security buffer, essential for the defense of Israeli territory.

If there is going to be a peace settlement, let it be “paper for paper.” And let the land, conquered with the blood of our young soldiers, remain untouched. As it was in the days of Yehoshua Bin Nun, land obtained is consecrated land; it is not negotiable.

IN THE MIDDLE EAST, VICTORY IS MEASURED BY THE LAND GAINED IN BATTLE. AND DEFEAT BY THE LAND LOST.

We owe it to our grandchildren and to the brave soldiers of Israel who gave their lives to conquer it.

כָּל־הַמָּקוֹם אֲשֶׁר תִּדְרְכוּ כַף־רַגְלְכֶם בּוֹ לָכֶם יִהְיֶה
מִן־הַמִּדְבָּר וְהַלְּבָנוֹן מִן־הַנָּהָר נְהַר פְּרָת וְעַד הַיָּם הָאַחֲרוֹן יִהְיֶה גְּבֻלְכֶם׃

Every place that the sole of your foot will step upon [=that you conquer] will be yours; from the desert [of the Negev in the south] and to Lebanon, from the Euphrates River to the western sea [the Mediterranean], will be your territory.

Debarim 11:24

The Tora recounts that during the forty years the people of Israel lived in the desert, God provided them with a miraculous food called man (manna). This heavenly bread fell each morning in the desert and nourished the Jews sufficiently, daily, and directly. It could not be stored —except for Shabbat— nor hoarded, traded, or negotiated. Its purpose was not only nutritional but also educational.

The man came to break the chains of material and psychological dependency on Pharaoh, who until then had given them bread in exchange for keeping them enslaved. That dependency was part of a system of total control.

The man broke that system, as sustenance no longer came from the oppressor but directly from God. It wasn’t a transaction. It didn’t come with conditions. It didn’t create slaves. It was the bread that liberated an entire nation from tyranny.

THE BUSINESS OF HUMANITARIAN AID

Today, amid a terrible war that began with the October 7 massacre, Israel is once again doing what no one else would: being the exception to the rule. This time, by feeding the enemy — giving food to those who still hold malnourished hostages and who murdered Israeli civilians and swore to destroy the country.

Many —rightfully— ask: Why feed them without first demanding the release of the hostages that Hamas still holds?

The official answer came from Prime Minister Netanyahu: this food distribution operation, coordinated with the United States through the GHF (Gaza Humanitarian Foundation), also has a key strategic objective — to break the dependency of Palestinian civilians on Hamas and thus deprive the terrorist organization of its most powerful weapon.

THE MERCHANTS OF HUNGER

Just like Pharaoh in Egypt, Hamas rules by controlling hunger. Until now, Hamas managed the food distribution coming from allied humanitarian organizations like UNRWA —or food that it outright stole, moved to its storage facilities, and then sold to civilians at exorbitant prices. With that money, they financed terrorism, kept their militants satisfied, and blackmailed the civilian population with food. Hundreds of thousands of people lived under Hamas domination to access so-called “humanitarian aid.”

Now, for the first time, the people of Gaza are receiving bread that —like the man— no longer passes through the criminal and enslaving hands of tyranny and is given without demanding anything in return.

THE END OF HAMAS?

This Israeli-American aid program represents an existential threat to Hamas and its grip on Gaza. And so far, it is working very well. In just three days, Israel has distributed over 1,300,000 food rations — unconditionally and with no strings attached.

Signs of panic are already visible within Hamas, while a glimmer of hope is rising among the population, which is beginning to overcome its fear and break free from the pharaonic terrorist organization.

For the first time, Gazans are expressing gratitude to the United States and Israel, to Trump, and Abu Yair (=Netanyahu).

The man falling from Israel’s sky is now descending upon the desert of Gaza — and it is showing both Palestinians and the world who builds and who destroys, who enslaves and who liberates, who gives and who blackmails with hunger.

Will it work?

Written in MAY 2025

OPENING YOUR EYES

This Yom HaAtzmaut we celebrate 77 years since the declaration of the independence of the State of Israel. And it’s not just another anniversary: this year is very special —and much better!— than the previous ones. Barely a year and a half after the brutal attack of October 7, 2023 —when Israel was attacked from Gaza, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen—, the Jewish State emerges more firm, stronger and more determined than ever, in every aspect: territorial, economic and demographic.

As believing Jews, we cannot fail to see in this transformation an extraordinary modern miracle.

And when we see that, once again, Israel rises from the ashes, the pain and the affliction, and does so with achievements it had not even reached after its victory in the Six-Day War of 1967, it is impossible not to hear in our hearts the echo of that famous verse that describes the first time we were oppressed as a people, in Egypt:

וְכַאֲשֶׁר יְעַנּוּ אֹתוֹ כֵּן יִרְבֶּה וְכֵן יִפְרֹץ

“And the more they oppressed them, the more they multiplied and the more they spread.”

In 2025, we are living a biblical moment in real time.

It is curious that the majority of Yehudim in the world, including many who live in Israel, “do not see it.” It reminds me of what our Sages say: when one experiences a miracle, while it is happening, they may not realize what they are living.

It is as if a Yehudi were crossing the Red Sea, with the walls of water standing to his right and to his left, and instead of lifting his eyes, being amazed and praising God, he complains about the mud in his sandals, or argues with his neighbor over who walks faster.

The miracles surround us, envelops us, protect us. We are crossing the open sea and we don’t see it.

That is why, on this Yom HaAtzmaut 77, I want to help uncover the incredible miracles we are living. How? By informing ourselves with objective data about some realities of Israel in 2025 that, in times of war, are simply inexplicable from a rational or statistical point of view.

We will rely on the original biblical indicators of the Tora, examining three areas where the blessing of God is evident:

The economic prosperity of Israel

The victory of Israel over its enemies

The demographic growth of Israel

These are three indicators that the Tora presents as clear signs of the Divine covenant toward Israel —and which are happening before our eyes today.

ECONOMIC PROSPERITY

The most frequent way in which the Tora describes Divine intervention over the people of Israel is through material blessing —economic prosperity. We read three times a day in the Shema Israel that rain in its due season was, in biblical times, the main indicator of that blessing. When the people fulfilled the will of God, the rains came in measure and in time, the fields flourished, and there was abundance. When the people strayed, the punishment was drought, poverty and, eventually, exile.

This pattern appears repeatedly throughout the Tora. Prosperity is not a random phenomenon: it is a visible sign of Divine closeness. That is why a reflection on Israel’s economy should not be approached from a merely materialist point of view, but as an opportunity to observe the Berakha of God with our own eyes.

Despite the context of war and geopolitical challenges, the Israeli economy is going through a historic moment. There is no other way to put it. While neighboring countries such as Lebanon, Turkey, Iran and Egypt face severe economic crises —and many European economies stagnate— Israel flourishes.

Economic growth and GDP

The International Monetary Fund projects a 3.2% economic growth for Israel in 2025. This number not only surpasses the global average (2.8%) but also eclipses powers such as Germany (0.0%), the United Kingdom (1.1%), and Spain (2.5%).

Israel’s total GDP will reach 585 billion dollars, surpassing countries such as the United Arab Emirates (568 billion). GDP per capita is estimated at $58,474, placing Israel among the most developed economies in the world.

Foreign currency reserves

Another key indicator: Israel’s foreign currency reserves. In February 2025, they reached 220.25 billion dollars. To compare: the United Kingdom has 113.8 billion in reserves, and Spain 103.1 billion. Israel surpasses them combined!

Additionally, when considering total reserves (including gold), Israel ranks 18th globally —above countries such as the United Arab Emirates.

Natural gas: strategic wealth

Offshore gas production is also transforming the economic landscape. In 2024, Israel produced 27.38 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas, 8.3% more than the previous year. It exported 13.11 bcm to Egypt and Jordan (almost half of total production), generating over 1.38 billion dollars in tax revenue.

Cyber and military technology

Israel’s economy not only grows, it also innovates and leads in key global areas. Israel is the third most advanced country in the world in technological innovation.

Israel has become one of the world’s top exporters of military technology. It currently ranks 8th globally in defense exports. Its systems —such as Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow 3— are recognized for their effectiveness and sophistication.

In 2025, a historic agreement was finalized: the sale of the Arrow 3 system to Germany, for a value of 3.5 billion dollars. This contract represents the largest military export in Israel’s history, consolidating its reputation as a global leader in defense technology.

High Tech: a cybersecurity giant

Another remarkable milestone this year: the sale of the Israeli startup Wiz to Alphabet (Google’s parent company) for 32 billion dollars. This agreement is not only the largest in the history of an Israeli company —it is also the largest global acquisition of a private cybersecurity firm.

These types of deals confirm that, even in times of war, Israel’s innovation ecosystem does not stop.

Monetary stability

In normal contexts, a prolonged war causes a significant devaluation of the national currency. But Israel is not in a “normal” context: the Israeli Shekel remains strong and stable against the dollar and other foreign currencies. The confidence of international markets in the Israeli economy is so solid that foreign investment not only remains, it grows —especially in strategic sectors such as high tech, defense, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

Property prices in Israel have not gone down. On the contrary, they continue to rise —both for buying and for renting. A unique phenomenon worldwide in a country at war.

Surpassing Germany

In April 2025, the IMF published a historic statistic: for the first time, Israel surpassed Europe’s greatest economic power —Germany— in GDP per capita. While Germany reached $56,360, Israel reached $58,270. This economic milestone is even more meaningful considering it was achieved amid active military conflicts and under constant geopolitical threats.

Many analysts describe this phenomenon as a (positive) anomaly —an inexplicable resilience. For us, it should not be surprising: it is the Berakha of HaShem, who blesses and makes prosper the effort and ingenuity of His people —manifesting before our very eyes.

GOD IN BATTLE

A second great sign of Divine intervention in the Tora manifests in victory over our enemies. Again and again, the Creator promises in the Tora that He will accompany the people of Israel in their battles and grant them victory —not to replace military intervention, but to empower it with heavenly assistance.

As several verses affirm, among them:

כִּֽי-תֵצֵ֨א לַמִּלְחָמָ֜ה עַל-אֹֽיְבֶ֗ךָ… לֹ֥א תִירָ֖א מֵהֶ֑ם, כִּֽי־ה׳ אֱלֹהֶ֤יךָ עִמָּ֔ךָ

“When you go out to war against your enemies… do not fear them, for HaShem your God is with you.” (Debarim 20:1)

כִּֽי ה׳ אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֔ם הַהֹלֵ֖ךְ עִמָּכֶ֑ם לְהִלָּחֵ֥ם לָכֶ֛ם עִם־אֹיְבֵיכֶ֖ם לְהוֹשִׁ֥יעַ אֶתְכֶֽם

“HaShem your God goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, and to save you.” (Debarim 20:4)

In this past year and a half, we have seen how these biblical promises become reality in Israel’s military situation. Despite being the victim of a savage and surprise attack, Israel has responded with a forceful, precise and effective strategy.

Gaza: from terror to exile

After the massacre of October 7, 2023, Israel launched an unprecedented military campaign. Today, a year and a half later, the Israel Defense Forces control nearly 40% of the territory of the Gaza Strip, including:

The entire northern area that borders Israel

A security buffer zone of at least one kilometer along the eastern border

A wide region in the south, from the Philadelphi Corridor to Morag, protecting Gaza’s border with Egypt

And although there are still about 20 living hostages and approximately 30–35 bodies yet to be recovered, Barukh HaShem, the majority of the kidnapped hostages have returned home.

And finally, something even more unexpected: more than 36,000 Palestinians have voluntarily left Gaza during April 2025! Relocating to countries such as France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt, and Jordan.

This emigration —inspired by the initiative originally promoted by President Trump— represents a profound political and military victory for Israel, and the greatest deterrent to prevent the enemy from ever attacking the Jewish State again.

Syria: weakened enemies

On the northeastern front, the Israel Defense Forces have succeeded in securing full control over the northern sector of Mount Hermon (Kéter haHermon), the second highest peak in the Levant. From this strategic position, Israel can monitor real-time military movements in Syria and Lebanon, significantly enhancing its deterrent capabilities.

This control adds to other surrounding areas, tripling the original size of the Golan Heights under Israeli control. In recent months, following the exile of Assad, Tzahal destroyed most of Syria’s strategic weaponry and neutralized its military capacity —without suffering casualties of its own.

Lebanon: a safe border B”H soon

For decades, the northern border was synonymous with constant threat. Today, thanks to the technological superiority and precise intelligence of Tzahal, Hezbollah’s weapons have been pushed further into central and northern Lebanon —far from Israeli northern cities such as Metula, Kiryat Shemona, etc.

These cities had lived for years under the threat of rockets and terrorist tunnels. During the October 7 war, they were evacuated, and today they are beginning to enjoy safety and a surprise-free border. When will this become definitive? Just a few days ago, Ron Dermer, senior advisor to Prime Minister Netanyahu, stated that Israel will announce its definitive victory over Hamas and Hezbollah in April 2026 —which I estimate will include —with the help of ה׳— the safe return of the evacuated northern residents.

Iran: Crippling the Octopus

The great challenge remains Iran. But if we compare Iran in 2025 with Iran in 2023, the difference is enormous. The Persian regime is now “the head of an octopus” without its tentacles —Hezbollah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Shiite militias in Iraq and Yemen— have been severely crippled.

With the help of the Almighty, Israel is consolidating its defensive and offensive capabilities like never before in its ancient and modern history.

DEMOGRAPHIC GROWTH

The most measurable blessing

Demographic growth is the first blessing that God gave to humanity and to our forefathers: Abraham, Yitschaq, and Yaakob. But in the latter case, with an additional detail:
the blessing of multiplication is mentioned specifically in relation to the land of Israel.

God says to Abraham in Bereshit (Genesis) 22:17:
אֲבָרֵךְ אֲבָרֶכְךָ, וְהַרְבָּה אַרְבֶּה אֶת-זַרְעֲךָ כְּכוֹכְבֵי הַשָּׁמַיִם, וְכַחוֹל אֲשֶׁר עַל-שְׂפַת הַיָּם; וְיִירַשׁ זַרְעֲךָ אֵת שַׁעַר אֹיְבָיו

“I will bless you greatly, and I will multiply your offspring like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore; and your offspring will inherit the cities of their enemies.”

Then to Yitschaq in Bereshit 26:4:
וְהִרְבֵּיתִי אֶת-זַרְעֲךָ כְּכוֹכְבֵי הַשָּׁמַיִם, וְנָתַתִּי לְזַרְעֲךָ אֵת כָּל-הָאֲרָצֹת הָאֵל, וְהִתְבָּרֲכוּ בְזַרְעֲךָ כֹּל גּוֹיֵי הָאָרֶץ

“I will multiply your offspring like the stars of the heavens, and I will give to your offspring all these lands; and through your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed.”

And then to Yaakob, in Bereshit 28:3–4:
וְאֵל שַׁדַּי יְבָרֵךְ אֹתְךָ, וְיַפְרְךָ וְיַרְבֶּךָ, וְהָיִיתָ לִקְהַל עַמִּים

“May El Shaddai bless you, make you fruitful and multiply you, and may you become a congregation of peoples.”

In the Tora, the demographic growth of the people of Israel in their land is one of the clearest signs of the enduring covenant between the descendants of Abraham Abinu and the Almighty.

And in this area too, extraordinary events are taking place in Israel —you’d have to be blind not to see them, or very ignorant not to recognize them.

While in almost the entire developed world birth rates are plummeting and populations are aging, in Israel —and only in Israel— the opposite is happening. In 2025, the average fertility rate in Israel is 3.0 children per woman, the highest among all developed countries.

In contrast, the OECD average (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, which groups 38 similarly developed countries) is around 1.5.
In countries like Japan or South Korea, the figure has dropped below 1.3; in Germany and Spain, it barely exceeds 1.4.

In other words: while those nations are shrinking, Israel is opening new preschools and building new neighborhoods nonstop.

Within the Orthodox sector, the fertility rate is the highest in the world: over 6 children per woman, more than double the national average. In more traditional cities, the increase in demand for housing, kindergartens, and elementary schools is unprecedented.

The Muslim population, which historically led in this area, now shows demographic decline, with 2.8 children per woman.

The main novelty of this 77th Yom HaAtzmaut is that Israel’s total population in 2025 has surpassed, for the first time in its history, 10 million inhabitants. And although there is no official statistic yet, I believe that by next Yom HaAtzmaut (or the one after, BE”H), THE MAJORITY OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE —MORE THAN 50%— WILL BE LIVING IN THE LAND OF ISRAEL.

IDENTIFYING THE DIVINE HAND

All these numbers and data have enormous spiritual and religious significance. And I find it INEXPLICABLE that they are not celebrated and recognized with enthusiasm by all Jews —especially by Jews who know and study the Tora, and who know these biblical blessings by heart!

Perhaps it is because no one is teaching us to connect the Tora with current events, or perhaps because —unknowingly repeating the terrible sin of the ten spies— they focus only on the negative aspects of the Promised Land and are incapable of appreciating the blessing of God in the land of their ancestors.

This ignorance and indifference worry me —because when we fail to appreciate the blessing of HaShem, perhaps, we may no longer deserve it.

Israel is not only the miracle of the past: it is also the visible stage of ongoing divine blessing —daily, extraordinary, observable, and measurable.

May the Almighty continue with His blessing —despite our indifference— and bring us closer to the Gueula Shelema, the final (or ultimate) redemption, in which all the descendants of Abraham, Yitschaq, and Yaakob become recipients of His blessing in the Promised Land.

Shabbat Shalom and Yom HaAtzmaut Sameach!